The Trenton Board of Public Works continues to express concern about financial losses experienced by the Trenton Municipal Utilities electric department.

Members also continue to question whether the electric rate increase that went into effect this month will be enough.

The rate increase will show up on bills sent to customers late next month. The increase is designed to increase revenue by about 11 1/2%. However, the increase to customers is to range from about 5% to 20%. Rates are to be higher in the summer months of June through September than during the non-summer months of October through May. Board of Public Works Chairman, Robert Day, suggested the Board may have to leave the summer rates in place during the non-summer months if the financial picture does not improve. Other options also are expected to be considered if needed.

Meanwhile, TMU Director, Chad Davis, has not yet expressed a need to consider another look at electric rates.

TMU electric department expenses surpassed income by more than $129,000 during April---the last month available. Depreciation boosts the loss to more than $161,000 during April.

The TMU electric department loss for the fiscal year ending April 30th was $1,176,000 when depreciation was included.

The cost of purchasing power has been cited as the key reason for the electric department's shortfalls.

In action items, the Board of Public Works approved a bid from MFA oil of Trenton to supply diesel fuel for generators at a cost of $3.16 a gallon. That's slightly more than 3 cents a gallon higher than the other bid received from a Moberly company. MFA was chosen because it's a local business. The City of Trenton has a policy of buying within Grundy County if the cost is within 5% of other suppliersâ€”not to exceed $1,000.

The Board of Public Works approved a bid from Clint Cranmore of Marquette, Nebraska to purchase scrap metal from power plant generating equipment. Cranmore is to pay an estimated amount around $6,000---depending on the weight of the scrap metal. It was the highest of 2 bids received.

Among various reports, smoke testing is to resume when it gets dry enough. That's in connection with a study to determine how excessive flows enter the waste water treatment plant during wet weather. Rain water inflows already have been measured.

Trenton's monitoring program relating to waste water pre-treatment efforts has been cited by the Missouri Department of Natural Resources. No fine is anticipated, although TMU is to give a response.

Trenton Mayor, Nick McHargue mentioned several citizens have requested access to the reservoirs in western Trenton for fishing. A gate is closed after regular working hours, but persons still can walk in. The closed gate is in response to past vandalism and thefts. The topic has been tabled for more study. Mayor McHargue brought up the topic during Monday night's Trenton City Council meeting and again at last night's Board of Public works meeting.

The Trenton Board of Public Works last night held a closed session regarding to legal matters.